Compare software

Notepad++Notepad4
Free

Free as in speech and free as in beer, in the author’s own words, under the GNU General…

 Free

Free and open source.

Windows Windows
  • Opens instantly and uses little memory, thanks to pure Win32 and the Scintilla component
  • Syntax highlighting for many programming and natural languages, with tabs and split view
  • Lightweight and quick to start
  • Syntax highlighting, code folding and auto-completion for many languages
  • Windows only; there is no official macOS or Linux build
  • The plugin ecosystem is older and less active than that of modern editors
  • Windows only
  • Single-document design rather than a tabbed or project-based editor
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: GPL-3.0 License not stated
No account needed No account needed
Works offline Works offline

Checked September 20, 2026

Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.